Youtube

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

BEANS: Bush and PoleBEETS- these can be bought in seed strips which makes planting very easyCANTALOPE- yummyCARROTS- you can buy carrot strips for easy plantingCORN- a fun garden plant for kidsCUCUMBER- try patio snackers varietyEGGPLANT- a great purple color in the garden- try the Nadia Eggplant LIMA BEANS- only if you have to- do southern californians really eat Lima Beans?OKRA- do you think Oprah likes Okra?PEPPERS- I typically will get peppers as plants vs. seedsPUMPKIN - try Carriage PumpkinsRADISH- try rainbow radishesSQUASH- winter and summer can be planted nowSUNFLOWERS- from miniature to 8 foot tall growers- they are all amazingSWISS CHARD- easy to grow and beautiful colorsTOMATOES- I grow yellow pear and cherry tomatoes every year + roma and heirloomWATERMELON- sugar baby is a great small melon for backyard gardenerCOMPANION PLANTING- TRY GROUPING TOGETHER THESE COMBINATIONS:Why companion plant? * It helps and improves plant growth by enriching the soil. * Plants help eachother grow by placing tall plants next to smaller plants that need shade.* It can help with pest problems with the aromatic scents of marigolds and other herbs.* Attract the good insects "beneficial" insects- plant attracting pollinators!BEANS - RADISH - SUNFLOWER- EGGPLANT- ROSEMARYTOMATO- BASIL- CARROT- PARSLEYCUCUMBER- PEA - SUNFLOWER- MARIGOLD- RADISH- CARROTSAGE - THYME - TOMATO - BASIL- DILL- MARIGOLD- LETTUCECheck out these Heirloom Seeds on ETSY that looked interesting. Sunflowers and all types of seeds

Sunday, April 28, 2013

This agave has the look of hand painted white lines on leaves. A slow grower and drought tolerant, a landscape design gem! Grows in USDA zone 9-12. High heat tolerance, full sun and can survive temperatures as low as 12 degrees F. This Agave was named after the English Queen Victoria with several varieties and can take up to 40 years to bloom. Small spines are on the tip of each leaf which reminds me of an artichoke.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

I found this idea on Pinterest and repinned it to my "That's Clever" board. Create your favorite omelette and bake them in muffin tins. Pour the mixture into greased muffin cups and bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes depending on size of muffin pan. Place them in baggies and store in the fridge, enjoy them all week long. These came out great and I look forward to easy on the go breakfasts this week. Using egg whites that come in the cartons works well too.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Can it really be time for planting pumpkins? YES!

I recommend trying the Cinderella's Carriage which in Southern California can be planted by seed April through June. Plant in Full Sun with a distance of 3 feet between seeds. They reach 18-35 pounds and are deep orange-red. I purchased these from Renee's seeds and in the past have had great success.

According to Renee's Seeds, "We import seed for this big gorgeous heirloom pumpkin from its original French breeder who maintains the best centuries-old strain, still beloved in European markets. Cinderella's Carriage is our name for this large, thick-fleshed selection that looks exactly like the original in the old-fashioned illustrations of the magical fairy tale coach."

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Borage: An aromatic herb with beautiful blue flowers. Blossoms are edible and the young leaves of a borage plant can be used in salads, or use the same as cabbage. Blossoms can also be dried or used fresh as a garnish, in ice cubes, cake decorating, cocktails, or candied. They can also be used in potpourri. Borage is rich in minerals and potassium and can be used in soups and stews, cooked or raw.

I harvested a huge amount of Borage last weekend and dried the flowers and saved them for many future uses. These photos below are from my raised planters.

Monday, April 8, 2013

"What a strange thing! to be alive beneath cherry blossoms."

- Kobayashi Issa, Poems

I pulled my car over on the side of the road to catch this beauty last week on the windy roads in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. An ornamental Cherry 'Sakura' Tree in full bloom.
Link to the National Cherry Blossom Festival ongoing this month in Washington D.C.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Torrey Pines State Reserve is located in Del Mar, CA. and is considered one of the best ocean view hiking spots in Southern California. Currently the wildflowers are in bloom and this is the best time of the year to enjoy the color and beauty of these trails. Botanically speaking the reserve contains over 330 plant species including abundant annual and perennial natives such as sage scrub, chaparral and salt-march plants. Panoramic ocean views, a visitors center with knowledgeable volunteers and a plenitude of hiking trails are what you can expect on a day trip to the reserve. The base of the reserve meets the beach with parking and restrooms available.

Directions: From Interstate 5, exit on Carmel Valley Road and head west to North Torrey Pines Road (old Highway 101). Turn South: the entrance is at the base of the bluffs.

Torrey Pine Trees consist of 5 needles: a unique and distinctive characteristic. It is the rarest pine tree in the United States and the seeds are edible.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Springtime is here and entertaining in the warm weather is just around the corner. For a larger crowd I find serving margaritas a bit easier "pitcher style". This is a nice drink with or without the Tequila.

Ina Garten's Pink Grapefruit margaritas and pre-salt rimmed glasses work well in a large pitcher for a dinner party. I did a little blending of ingredients prior to adding the tequila and it made the mixture a little bit frothier and creamy. Add some fresh grapefruit wedges for a nice fresh touch. For salted rim glasses: dip glass edges in water and use kosher or sea salt spread out on a plate to get an even coating.